Los Angeles Clippers: 5 reasons Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a good pick

5. Elite rebounding point guard

Standing 6’6” with a 6’11” wingspan, Gilgeous-Alexander has one of the largest reaches in the 2018 NBA Draft class. That length is certain to translate on the defensive end, but it will also allow SGA to contribute on the glass. It did in college, to the tune of 4.1 rebounds per game.

The NBA is seeing a record number of 3-pointers attempted in this day and age of elite shooters, and with those shots come long rebounds that need to be corralled.

A good chunk of long rebounds wound up back in the hands of the offensive team because the opponent crashes the glass, unaware that the ball is likely to bounce back to the perimeter instead of landing softly in their hands.

With those long arms, Gilgeous-Alexander should develop into a point guard who grabs close to five rebounds a game, maybe even more, hauling in loose balls that are up for the taking.

SGA could also turn into an underrated offensive rebounder. Take it from Shaun Livingston, who uses his length to crash the glass and swat the ball back to his teammates.

If he’s able to develop a sense for where the ball is coming off the rim — similar to what Stephen Curry does — Gilgeous-Alexander’s reach will let him end the defensive possession the way it’s supposed to and possibly ignite the transition game for the Clippers.